Background: Dilated episcleral vessels may be observed in patients with orbital tumors, carotid-cavernous-sinus fistula and other orbital obstructive lesions. As an idiopathic phenomenon dilated episcleral vessels may be associated with secondary open-angle glaucoma.
Patient: We report on a 59-year-old patient with a history of secondary open-angle glaucoma and dilated episcleral vessels for 5 years (Radius-Maumenee syndrome).
Results: In these patients, the pressure of the episcleral vessels is elevated and therefore the outflow from Schlemm's Canal is reduced. This leads to elevated intraocular pressure and secondary glaucoma.
Conclusion: Treatment options in this condition include medication to lower the intraocular pressure or microsurgical sinusotomy to reduce the pressure-gradient from Schlemm's Canal to the episcleral vessels.